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Vermicomposting transforms allelopathic parthenium into a benign organic fertilizer
Naseer Hussain1, Tasneem Abbasi1, S A Abbasi1
1Centre for Pollution Control & Environmental Engineering, Pondicherry University, Chinnakalapet, Puducherry 605 014, India.
Journal of Environmental Management
|May 28, 2016
Summary
Parthenium vermicompost, derived from the invasive weed, surprisingly enhanced plant growth and germination. This organic fertilizer neutralized the weed
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Environmental Science
- Soil Science
Background:
- Parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus) is an invasive weed known for its toxicity and negative allelopathy.
- Traditional methods of managing Parthenium are often insufficient to control its spread.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of Parthenium vermicompost (VC) on the germination and early growth of green gram, ladies finger, and cucumber.
- To investigate the chemical changes in Parthenium during vermicomposting and their effect on its allelopathic properties.
Main Methods:
- Vermicompost was produced using Eisenia fetida earthworms on Parthenium.
- Seeds of Vigna radiata, Abelmoschus esculentus, and Cucumis sativus were germinated and grown in soil amended with varying percentages of Parthenium VC.
- Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectrometry was used to analyze chemical changes in the vermicompost.
Main Results:
- Parthenium VC significantly enhanced germination success and early plant growth across all tested species.
- VC improved soil physical properties and increased biomass carbon.
- FTIR analysis indicated the destruction of toxic phenols, sesquiterpene lactones, and reduction of lignin during vermicomposting.
Conclusions:
- Vermicomposting effectively neutralizes the negative allelopathic and toxic properties of Parthenium.
- Parthenium VC is a safe and beneficial organic fertilizer, promoting plant growth and soil health.
- This process offers a sustainable method for managing Parthenium invasion and utilizing its biomass.
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